Gibson '60s Hummingbird Gallery

Gibson '60s
HUMMINGBIRD Gallery

Advance Guitars Presents

~The History of the Hummingbird~

In 1960, Gibson added a square-shoulder type to its lineup, which had primarily featured round-shoulder models like the J-45. The first model introduced was this Hummingbird.
While its shape resembles Martin's Dreadnought models, it features a notably wider body, approximately 16 inches (compared to the Martin D-28's 15 5/8 inches). It sports a large pickguard adorned with a hummingbird carving, complemented by pearl inlays and gold hardware for a striking design.

It also incorporates essential Gibson elements like a mahogany body and an adjustable saddle. Against the backdrop of soaring vintage prices, vintage flat-top models from Gibson, Martin, and others have become scarce. The launch of Advance Guitars brings vintage guitars together in one place. This time, we focus on 1960s models, including the first year of the Hummingbird, a gathering that will likely never happen again.

The measurements taken for this Hummingbird feature were referenced from the SJ-200 data collection.

Gibson 1960 Hummingbird Honey Sunburst

Ultra Rare! Hummingbird from its first year of release

In 1960, this Hummingbird debuted as Gibson's first square-shoulder-shaped model.
Only 156 units were shipped in its first year. The following year saw a significant increase to 595 units. Its flamboyant appearance proved popular with rock musicians, and shipments ballooned to 1,364 units just three years later. This record alone shows just how rare the first year models are, making them legendary instruments that are virtually impossible to find now, over 60 years later. A defining characteristic of this first year is undoubtedly the Cherry Sunburst color.

Similar to the Les Paul Standard models manufactured from 1958 to 1960, known as "bursts," the sunburst colors from that era show varied fading patterns over time. This was achieved by applying a pigment-based yellow paint, a dye-based paint was applied to the rim to create a reddish hue. and that red tends to fade easily. This, combined with various aging effects, means each guitar develops its own unique character.

In 1960, the burst saw a change to a red-based paint, and many examples still retain a vivid red sunburst today. Regarding this Hummingbird, the redness on the rim has faded, resulting in a light brown hue. Overall, it has developed into what is known as a honey burst appearance. While individual variations exist, it's truly a miracle that it has achieved such a beautiful finish.

xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal
id="s-1a8da2b3-853d-4acc-85c5-93422aed1233">

Gibson 1960 Hummingbird Tobacco Sunburst

Rare color from its first year of production

This is also a 1960 model, the first year of production.
While the catalog from that era only listed the Cherry Sunburst finish,
this particular guitar features an irregular tobacco sunburst finish.
It's a rare and valuable color scheme you hardly ever see, giving it a distinct character different from the cherry finish.

{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-237149bc-cbb7-4f04-b6f0-1ec131d09c96" } }

Gibson 1961 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

The ultimate rock sound from the early model

This is the unit shipped one year later. Compared to the first year's models, the rim retains its reddish hue, showcasing a vibrant cherry sunburst. The lacquer finish has thinned and worn, clearly blending well with the wood.

Another characteristic, shared with the Dove released the following year, is its 25 1/2-inch long scale.

The sound produced by this long scale is truly magnificent. Simply playing the E string on the 6th fret might just bring back memories of the rock scene from that era for some. The high-position notes exude a vivid, taut clarity, allowing you to savor the rich tone unique to Brazilian rosewood. It's precisely because it has been meticulously maintained and cherished over the years that it can still produce such a sound today.

xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="fill: rgba(113, 113, 113, 1);">

Gibson 1962 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst


xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal

Only 1,254 Hummingbirds were shipped by 1962, fewer than the number produced in the entire year of 1963.
Early models are now extremely rare items that rarely appear on the market. The bridge saddle features a special specification: a straight bone saddle mounted on a rosewood base. This likely indicates either a replacement part from that era or a deliberate swap for sound or practical reasons.

{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-7c5bf43d-a085-4ca1-ab40-74b29884e958" } }

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Maple Cherry Sunburst

Legendary Maple Sides and Back

Released in 1960, the Hummingbird captivated musicians with its innovative looks and dynamic sound, garnering overwhelming support.

This explosive hit led to the introduction of the similarly square-shouldered Dove in '62. However, the Dove was priced 35% higher than the Hummingbird, so even after '62, popularity remained focused on the Hummingbird.There's an anecdote that Gibson, which was producing more Dove guitars than were actually selling, added Dove bodies to the Hummingbird line when production couldn't keep up. In '62 and '63, they even made long-scale Hummingbirds with maple bodies.

This guitar is precisely that maple-sides-and-back Hummingbird. It's in excellent condition and a premium piece.

{ "__shgImageV2Elements": { "uuid": "s-3b61ba4b-dd30-4c2a-99f9-c43ab21b7bc1" } }

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

Rare early-production model retaining its original plastic bridge

Gibson's plastic bridges were often used on small-sized models like the 1960s LG-1 and B-25, but this Hummingbird actually featured a plastic top-and-bottom bridge only in 1963. The saddles are ceramic and adjustable. This combination produces a unique sound.

This particular guitar shows evidence of having had a different bridge installed at some point, but it's clear the owner deliberately switched it back to the plastic bridge. Because plastic bridge models often have the bridge itself replaced, finding one like this, where it's been restored to its original state, is incredibly rare.

Its characteristic bright, open tone is simply irresistible.

Gibson 1963 Hummingbird Maple Cherry Sunburst

This one also has a sideback in the Maple specification.

}

Gibson 1964 Hummingbird Natural

1963: A natural finish is added to the Hummingbird lineup.
This is a 1964 model. The cherry-colored finish on the neck and sides/back is exceptionally beautiful.

Gibson 1965 Hummingbird Natural

1965 marked the transition from a 17-degree to a 14-degree head angle.
This is a model with a 14-degree head angle. It is also an example from the final year of the regular grip.
The white trim on the truss rod cover also becomes narrower starting from this period.

Gibson 1966 Hummingbird Natural

The regular grip, which had a nut width of approximately 42mm to 43mm, became slimmer starting in 1965.
This is a narrow neck with a nut width of 40.3mm. It was made in 1966.
You can see that while the width became narrower, the neck thickness increased slightly.

id="s-0373c031-58cb-495a-9512-5be6d57acc80">
xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Gibson 1967 Hummingbird Natural

}

From this period onward, the position of the crown inlay on the head will be slightly lower.

Gibson 1967 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

This is also a 1967 model. Starting this year, the red hue in the cherry sunburst finish becomes more pronounced. The difference from the previous natural-finish model is that the pickguard pattern becomes a two-tone yellow and white.

Gibson 1968 Hummingbird Natural

The pickguard features a two-tone yellow and white pattern. It is characterized by five screw holes along the edge of the pickguard.

xml-ph-0000@deepl.internalxml-ph-0001@deepl.internalxml-ph-0002@deepl.internal { "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-64da30f8-e2e0-4d4b-ae49-689f9e2c3530" } }

Gibson 1968 Hummingbird Natural

Models featuring the down-bowed bridge, like this one, began appearing around 1968.
This piece can be considered the prelude to the new era of the 1970s.

xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-4a0a3ee8-d5d2-45d0-9ee8-2d7207fdd67c" } }

Gibson 1968 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

Cherry Sunburst & Downberry model.
The transparent image system used in the SJ-200 reference materials allows for confirmation of the bracing pattern.

Gibson 1969 Hummingbird Cherry Sunburst

{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-70f9a559-4423-43eb-82c4-9c3b2d75cec1" } }

This year's model features the distinctive Gibson logo without the dot.

Gibson Hummingbird Natural

A very unique and stylish instrument.
The serial range is 1968, but it features a 3-piece mahogany neck, Schaller tuners, a down-bow bridge, and the "Hummingbird" lettering on the truss rod cover.
Additionally, the nut width is approximately 43mm, a regular neck occasionally seen during this period.
The body back lacks the center crack guard, instead featuring a stylish back strip, and the endpin features an embedded celluloid inlay—all lovely design touches.


※Please note that this is purely statistical data for reference purposes. If you have encountered or possess any irregular or special specifications, please provide information to the email address below.
Email Address: aco@tcgakki.com
Attn: Inoue, Advance Guitars

 

1960

Released as Gibson's first square-shoulder model.
First-year production was 156 units.
Initially, only the Cherry-red finish (Cherry Sunburst) was listed in the catalog,
but Honey Sunburst and Tobacco Sunburst examples like the one featured here have also been confirmed.

~Main Specifications~
【Body Top】: Spruce
【Body Sides & Back】: Honduran Mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
【Bridge】: Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
【Bridge Plate】: Maple (Small Size)
【Bracing】: Non-Scalloped X-Bracing

【Saddle】: Adjustable Ceramic Saddle(Gloss)
【Pegs】：Kluson Deluxe Gold
【Pickguard】：Resin/Transparent/Solid Yellow Pattern

【Scale】： Approx. 645mm(Long Scale)
【Nut Width】：Approx. 43mm (Regular Neck)
【Headstock Angle】：17 degrees

The key pointto note here is the adoption of the long scale.
While explanations suggesting medium scale was used on earlier models can be found,
all 1960s Hummingbirds recorded as arriving at our store have been long scale; we have not confirmed any medium scale models.
It's likely that the long scale was the standard specification at the time, and the term "medium scale"mayhave emergedbecause
Gibson's 1962 catalog introduced it as a 24 3/4" scale. We believe this kind of primary information became the mainstream narrative.

1963

The Natural color is released.
The Dove, a similar square-shoulder model, appeared the previous year,
and the Dove's natural finish was also released starting in 1963.
Although the Hummingbird saw a significant increase in shipments that year, with 1,364 units shipped,
the Natural Color variant was extremely rare, with only 97 units produced.
One can imagine Gibson staking its reputation on launching these two square-shoulder models.

Changes can also be seen in the specifications.

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
【Body Sides & Back】: Honduran Mahogany
【Neck】：Honduran Mahogany
【Fingerboard】：Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
【Bridge】： Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
【Bridge Plate】: Maple (Medium Size)
【Bracing】：Non-Scalloped X-Bracing

【Saddle】：Adjustable Ceramic Saddle (Gloss Finish)
【Pegs】：Kluson Deluxe Gold
【Pickguard】：Resin/Transparent/Solid Yellow Pattern

【Scale Length】: Approx. 645mm (Long Scale)
【Nut Width】：Approx. 43mm (Regular Neck)
【Headstock Angle】：17 degrees

This investigation revealed that the bridge plate size increased slightly between 1962 and 1963. A similar change can be observed in Martin guitars around 1969.
While the change in this year is slight, it likely reflects an effort to enhance the reinforcement of the bridge and top wood.

1963 Hummingbird

Additionally, some examples like the one introduced here have been confirmed to feature maple sidebacks or plastic bridges.

 

1965

【Body Top】: Spruce
【Body Sides & Back】: Honduran Mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
【Fingerboard】: Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
【Bridge】: Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda)
【Bridge Plate】: Maple(Large Size)
【Bracing】：Non-Scalloped X-Bracing

【Saddle】： Adjustable Ceramic Saddle (Matte Finish)
【Pegs】： Kluson Deluxe Double-Line Gold
【Pickguard】：Resin/Transparent/Solid Yellow Pattern

【Scale】：Approx. 645mm(Long Scale)
【Nut Width】： Approx. 43mm (Regular Neck) and approx. 40mm (Narrow Neck) mixed
【Headstock Angle】： 14 degrees

The most representative Gibson specification changes for this year are the 14-degree headstock angle and the narrow neck.
The Hummingbird was no exception to these changes.
Additionally, adjustable saddles made of matte ceramic or wood were observed, which is also one of the specification changes from the mid-1960s.

 

Pegs also changed to double-line

Other changes include a thinner white border on the truss rod cover, and the bridge plate has become even larger.

 

1964 Hummingbird

1965 Hummingbird

1965 Hummingbird

1966

〜Main Specifications〜
【Body Top】: Spruce
【Body Sides & Back】：Honduras Mahogany
【Neck】：Honduras Mahogany
【Fingerboard】：Rosewood ※May contain Brazilian Rosewood
【Bridge】：Rosewood ※May contain Brazilian rosewood
【Bridge Plate】：Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】：Non-Scalloped X-Bracing

【Saddle】：Adjustable Ceramic Saddle (Matte Finish)/Wood Saddle
【Pegs】：Crewson Deluxe Double Line Gold
【Pickguard】：Resin / Transparent / Solid Yellow Pattern

【Scale】：Approx. 645mm (Long Scale)
【Nut Width】: Approx. 40mm (Narrow Neck)
【Headstock Angle】：14 degrees

While the nut width is narrower, the neck tends to be thicker.
This applies not only to Hummingbirds but, in my experience, to Gibson flat-tops in general.
You might find that "even with the narrower width, the unexpected thickness makes it comfortable to grip," so I think you can choose based on your preference. The 1967-1968 models give the impression of having thinner necks compared to 1966.
While I don't have extensive data, I hope this serves as a useful reference when selecting a 1960s Gibson.

Regarding coloring, you'll also find examples of faded cherry sunburst finishes that might initially make you think, "Is that a natural color?" Many in Japan might associate this look with the J-45 used by Motohiro Hata, but it's also seen on Hummingbirds. This is particularly common from 1963 to 1966.

 

※Photo shows a 1966 J-45

1967

〜Main Specifications〜
【Body Top】: Spruce
【Body Sides & Back】：Honduras Mahogany
【Neck】：Honduras Mahogany
【Fingerboard】：Rosewood ※May contain Brazilian Rosewood
【Bridge】：Rosewood ※May contain Brazilian rosewood
【Bridge Plate】：Maple (Large Size)
【Bracing】：Non-Scalloped X-Bracing

【Saddle】：Wood Saddle
【Pegs】：Krueson Deluxe Double Line Gold
【Pickguard】： Resin/Transparent/Single-color yellow pattern, Resin/Transparent/Two-color yellow and white pattern, Mixed with and without screws

【Scale】：Approx. 645mm (Long Scale)
【Nut Width】：Approx. 40mm (Narrow Neck)
【Headstock Angle】：14 degrees

Changes in appearance, such as the pickguard and finish, can be observed.
Pickguards now feature a two-tone yellow and white pattern in addition to the solid yellow pattern,
and screw-on pickguards also appeared around this time. Screw-on pickguards were also used on the J-45 Custom Color,
I recall that custom colors debuted in 1967, and the Hummingbird also began adopting screw-on pickguards that same year.

1967 Hummingbird

1968 Hummingbird

1967 Hummingbird

{

1968 J-45 Ebony Black

xml-ph-0000@deepl.internalxml-ph-0001@deepl.internalxml-ph-0002@deepl.internal { "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-27411d6d-077b-4eef-b69e-b9bf8342306a" } } 

The finish features a very strong red hue in the cherry sunburst rim.
Upon closer inspection, you can see the color extending to both sides of the fingerboard end, which gives it a distinct vintage feel.

 

1967 Hummingbird

※Photo shows 1967 J-45

Another characteristic is that the position of the crown inlay on the head is slightly lower.

1966 Hummingbird

1967 Hummingbird

1968

~Main Specifications~
【Body Top】: Spruce
【Body Sides & Back】: Honduran Mahogany
【Neck】: Honduran Mahogany
【Fingerboard】: Rosewood ※May containJacaranda
【Bridge】: Rosewood, Upper Belly or Down Belly ※May contain Jacaranda
【Bridge Plate】: Maple(Large Size)
【Bracing】：Non-Scalloped X-Bracing

【Saddle】：Wood Saddle
【Pegs】：Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold
【Pickguard】：Resin/Transparent/Handle in two colors: yellow and white, mixed with and without screws

【Scale】：Approx. 645mm(Long Scale)
【Nut Width】: Approx. 40mm (Narrow Neck)
【Headstock Angle】: 14 degrees

By 1968, the approach of the 1970s was becoming increasingly apparent.
The "down-belly" bridge shape, where the bulge faces downward, also began appearing around this time.
"When you think of Downberry, you think of 1969," but
if you check the serial numbers of many of them, you'll find that there are surprisingly many from 1968 as well.
You could say that as a hummingbird, it's a little closer to Martin's style...

1969

~Main Specifications~
[Body Top]: Spruce
[Body Sides & Back]: Honduran Mahogany
[Neck]: Honduran Mahogany *Mixed 1-piece and 3-piece
[Fingerboard]: Rosewood *Mixed withJacaranda
[Bridge]: Rosewood, Downberry *Mixed with Jacaranda
[Bridge Plate]: Maple(Large Size)
【Bracing】： Non-Scalloped X-Bracing ※Mixed with Double X-Bracing

【Saddle】：Wood Saddle
【Pegs】： Kluson Deluxe Double Line Gold or Schaller (with Gibson logo)
【Pickguard】：Resin/Transparent/Two-tone yellow and white pattern, mixed with and without screws

【Scale】：Approx. 645mm (Long Scale)
【Nut Width】： Approx. 40mm (Narrow Neck) or Approx. 43mm (Regular Neck)
【Headstock Angle】：14 degrees

By 1969, the 1970s aesthetic becomes even more pronounced.
The 1970s saw a change in Gibson's parent company, leading to changes in guitar construction and released models, such as the adoption of double-X bracing.
While generally considered an "unpopular" era, some may find it endearing and develop an affection for it when looking at Gibson's history as a whole.

Key specifications for 1969 include the Down-Byrd bridge becoming the standard.
Additionally, irregular specs like nut widths around 42mm to 43mm can be found.
style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Some units lack the center crack guard inside the body back,
while others feature a stylish back strip on the body back or have a cell embedded in the endpin area.

shg-c-sm-6 shg-c-xs-12

 

The truss rod covers also began featuring the word "Hummingbird" around this time, and it appears they coexisted with covers lacking a model name.

 

This period also saw the appearance of headstock logos without the dot above the "i" and solid mahogany necks.

{ "__shgImageV3Elements": { "uuid": "s-a4c72218-dd82-42bd-aaf7-91dbf898f130" } }

 

Furthermore, some instruments have been identified featuring double-X bracing, block position markers, and Shara-made tuners with the Gibson logo. with some specimens confirmed to feature 1970s specifications.

 

Regarding Neck Wood

I researched several primary sources regarding how long Honduran mahogany will continue to be used.
Referring to the catalog from that time, we can confirm that while the Les Paul Standard (the reintroduced Gold Top P-90 Type) was described as having a "maple top with mahogany body," the Les Paul Custom was described as having a "Solid Honduras mahogany body."
It's very interesting to see such a clear distinction being made.
For flat-top models, the 1970 catalog describes the Hummingbird as Honduras mahogany,
while the B-25 is described as mahogany, suggesting a similar distinction was made here.
Based on this information, this article states that all 1960s Hummingbirds were made with Honduras Mahogany.

 

Regarding Bracing

Non-scalloped X-bracing was consistently used until 1969.
In 1969, some models featured double X-bracing as part of the 1970s specifications.
As shown in the images, comparing them side by side reveals that the thickness increases over the years.
The 1960 bracing has angular shapes, but from 1963 onward, they become slightly more rounded.
By 1965, the bracing had thickened further.

 

Regarding the bridge plate

As mentioned earlier, the bridge plate grew larger over the years.
Upon closer examination, we found that the number of plates increases from one piece to two pieces to three pieces.
1963 appears to be a transitional year, with the 3-piece design being adopted thereafter.

Artists who love Hummingbird, Representative Songs

Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
"Angie"

Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)
"Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"

Recommended Tracks

While compiling this article and revisiting the tracks, I realized once again how cool Hummingbird's rock-infused sound truly is. Among them, you can really savor this honey tone with The Rolling Stones. "Exile On Main Street / The Rolling Stones"

What Store Manager Inoue Thinks Hummingbird Is

It's just plain cool, both in looks and sound.
Starting with the 1937 SJ-200, Gibson has a knack for making this acoustic guitar look cool. The Hummingbird, with its flashy pickguard, gained immense popularity and support from band frontmen and rock guitarists.

In Japan, it's famous for being used by Kiyoshiro Imawano, right? Thinking about it this way, I feel the Hummingbird is truly a rock acoustic guitar.

Delivering the Ultimate Honey Tone

Among the guitars featured this time, the one that really stood out to me was the 1961 model. Hearing those low end tones will make you fall head over heels for the Hummingbird.

xml-ph-0000@deepl.internal 

Who is it recommended for?

Since this is a model that's quite hard to come by, I highly recommend it to anyone who's ever yearned for that classic rock sound! Don't you think it's amazing to experience that record-like tone right up close?

 

HUMMINGBIRD Gallery

Advance Guitars